Fujica ST605n [1978 - 1980*]

Overview

The Fujica 600 cameras were the base models in the ST series. The n was an upgraded version of the 1976 ST605 (which in turn updated the 1976 ST601), with the only apparent change being a shutter speed display in the viewfinder, courtesy of a needle indicator linked to the speed dial on the top plate.

The cloth focal plane shutter has a comparatively limited range with an unconventional top speed of 1/700th - not a typical stop value. Match needle metering is the stop down variety, and a switch on the front of the body activates the meter and stops down the lens.

This is a wholly mechanical camera, with the batteries only powering the exposure meter. In common with other models in the range, it uses two silicone cells in preference to Cds.

* I have assumed that production ceased in about 1980, since this is when Fuji abandoned the M42 lens mount, and launched the STX range of cameras. Before that happened, the ST605n was superseded by the ST605 II.

According to advertisements in a 1979 edition of Amateur Photographer, the camera sold with an f2.2 55mm lens for around £110. That was roughly equivalent to a UK average weeks wages in 1979, so it wasn't a cheap item.

The Fujica ST605 II was the last camera produced by Fuji to use the M42 derived screw lens mount. It's very rare (in Europe/USA) and a (Globally) mysterious camera with a mere handful of references to be found on the Net, which provide very little, but nevertheless, conflicting (and inaccurate) information.

Despite the 605 designation, the II was a cross between the ST605 and the ST705w. The shutter, with its 1/700th sec., top speed, came from the ST605. The open aperture metering system, lens mount lock, and shutter release lock came from the ST705w. However, the ST605 II did not have the viewfinder shutter speed needle pointer of the previous ST605n, nor the motor drive connectivity found in the ST705w.

While different introduction dates and markets have been suggested on the Net, I think the II is far more likely to have been contrived in 1979, as a last breath of life to the soon-to-become-redundant M42 mount camera-parts-stockpile, and distributed only to the less demanding Asian market. It was probably produced for a short time (perhaps until 1980?). These factors would explain the limited distribution and low numbers of surviving examples. Despite the camera's capability to meter at full aperture, it was supplied with a Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens, made specifically for the 600 series cameras, and which required stop-down metering. This may have also led to retrospective confusion over the model's metering capabilities.

I paid £2.70 for my camera (body only) in May 2014 (£1.70 after re-sale of the unwanted case).

I have a Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens (4 elements in 4 groups) for this camera (which cost £10.01). This was a new lens introduced with the ST605, made with a less expensive plastic body, and with fewer glass elements (more information about this lens can be found on the ST601 page).

My camera is fully operational, and in very good condition. I replaced the light seals and mirror damper (Fujica ST605 light seal replacement instructions). It's a comfortable camera to use, and smaller than many counterparts of the time. It's unexceptional - but competent - the camera equivalent of a little donkey (and I like donkeys).

FUJI

The Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. was established in 1934 with the aim of being the preferred Japanese producer of photographic films (an ambition the company exceeded). The company started to produce optical glass during the early 1940s for military use. In 1948 Fuji started producing cameras, and continued to do so until the early 1980s. Many were called FUJICA: a contraction of Fuji and camera (as in Leica, Yashica, etc). Data on the full range of Fujica 35mm SLR cameras, lenses, brochures and manuals can be found at www.pentax-manuals.com/fujica/fujica.htm.